The primary set up a showdown for a 5th Legislative District seat in the state House of Representatives, a competitive congressional race and a chance to elect a judge to the King County District Court bench.

Issaquah residents face some good choices — and a few not-so-good options — in the primary election next month. Or so the Municipal League of King County has decided.

For the most part, Issaquah-area lawmakers fared better than the challengers campaigning against them in August and November. The league released the ratings July 19.

The league ranks candidates through a rigorous process during each election cycle. The ratings provide a tool for voters — plus fodder for candidates’ campaign mailers and websites.

Evaluators scrutinize candidate records, talk to references, review candidate questionnaires and interview the electoral hopefuls. The league rates candidates on four criteria: involvement, character, effectiveness and knowledge. Candidates then receive a grade ranging from the coveted outstanding to the less-desirable not qualified.

King County Elections has mailed 1.1 ballots to registered voters for the Aug. 17 primary election.

“Voting begins the day you get your ballot in the mail” Elections Director Sherril Huff said in a news release. “Ballots must be returned no later than Election Day on Aug. 17, and our office is here to help, so be an informed voter and visit us online, call or stop by to get your questions answered.”

Ballots can be returned by mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Ballots require a first-class stamp and must be postmarked by Aug. 17. Track ballots online at the office’s website.

Three candidates will vie for a 41st District House of Representatives seat in the coming primary election, including the incumbent, Judy Clibborn. Issaquah and other 41st District voters will narrow the field to two candidates in the Aug. 17 primary election. Read more

Issaquah residents face some good choices — and a few not-so-good options — in the primary election next month. Or so the Municipal League of King County has decided.

For the most part, Issaquah-area lawmakers fared better than the challengers campaigning against them in August and November.

The league ranks candidates through a rigorous process during each election cycle. The annual rankings provide a tool for voters — plus fodder for candidates’ campaign mailers and websites.

Evaluators scrutinize candidate records, talk to references, review candidate questionnaires and interview the electoral hopefuls. The league rates candidates on four criteria: involvement, character, effectiveness and knowledge. Candidates then receive a grade ranging from the coveted outstanding to the less-desirable not qualified.

In order to cast a ballot in the Aug. 17 primary election, King County residents must register to vote by July 19.

Registered voters with outdated addresses must also update their information by the deadline.

In order to register as a Washington voter, a person must be a U.S. citizen, a Washington resident, at least 18 by Election Day and not under the authority of the state Department of Corrections.

Voters do not have to register by political party or declare political party membership in order to vote in primary or general elections.

Find a full list of requirements and registration forms at the King County Elections website.

“Registering to vote is easy,” county Elections Director Sherril Huff said in a news release. “We have detailed information on the Elections website and our staff is here to help you in person or over the phone. If you are eligible to vote and haven’t yet registered, there’s still time to make sure you can participate in the next election.”

The candidates to represent Issaquah in Olympia include some familiar faces and political newcomers.

June 11 marked the deadline to file as a candidate for federal, state, county, city, judicial offices. No city posts will be decided this year.

State Rep. Glenn Anderson announced his re-election campaign late June 10, a week after Democrat Dean Willard kicked off his bid for the seat. Anderson, a Fall City Republican, has held the 5th Legislative District post for a decade.

“In spite of the drastic downturn in the economy, the Legislature and governor ignored the effects on regular people outside of Olympia,” Anderson said in a campaign news release. “We need to get Washington back on track with a ‘live-within-our-means’ budget and no new taxes. We should not be following California down the road to bankruptcy.”

Willard, a Sammamish information technology consultant and a former T-Mobile executive, launched his campaign at Vino Bella in downtown Issaquah on June 3.

The race also includes 2008 Democratic candidate David Spring, although the local party has endorsed Willard.

King County Council members appointed Rodne, a North Bend attorney, to the seat in 2004 when then-5th District representative Cheryl Pflug became a state senator. Rodne has been elected and re-elected since.

Candidates to represent Issaquah in Olympia readied campaign plans as the Friday deadline to file for election approached.

State Rep. Glenn Anderson announced his campaign late Thursday, a week after Democrat Dean Willard kicked off his bid for the seat. Anderson, a Fall City Republican, has held the 5th Legislative District post for a decade.